Preview set at Eastway and Shuffletown parks

For the first time, the city is offering residents a peek at two area parks where construction has been slowed by dry weather.

The Shuffletown Sportsplex in northwest Mecklenburg was initially expected to open this year, soon followed by Eastway Park in East Charlotte. A regionwide drought, accompanied by city water restrictions, contributed to the recent delays, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation spokesman Mike Cozza said.

“When you open a park, people expect to have grass, and they expect it to be green,” Cozza said. “For the longest time, we could only water once a week.”

This is the first time the city has allowed such park “sneak peaks,” and they come as voters consider a $250 million Park and Recreation bond referendum on Nov. 4.

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Residents have been particularly interested in the Shuffletown and Eastway parks. Some residents questioned the design of the Shuffletown project, saying they worried it clashed with the surrounding area. Others protested the road being built for the Eastway park.

Residents can see the Eastway park, 423 Eastway Drive, at 10 a.m. Saturday.